Toddler Craft Safety Guide

Your complete guide to safe crafting with little ones. Review each activity's materials and age guidance, and supervise closely throughout.

🌟 The Golden Rules 🌟

Always Supervise

Never leave a toddler alone during crafts. Even "safe" materials need watching.

Non-Toxic Only

Follow each product's age label and instructions. Non-toxic does not mean safe to eat.

Size Matters

Small parts can pose choking risks. Check materials carefully; no single size test guarantees safety.

Safety Rules by Age

1-2 Years

  • Choose materials intended for the child's age; non-toxic does not mean edible
  • Check every item for choking, breakage, and mouthing risks before play
  • Stay within arm's reach and supervise continuously
  • Avoid paper that can be torn and swallowed
  • Skip glitter, beads, and buttons entirely

2-3 Years

  • Choose age-labeled materials and account for mouthing and choking risks
  • Remove small loose parts that could fit in a child's mouth
  • Supervise continuously and keep small materials out of reach
  • Child-safe glue sticks only (no liquid glue)
  • Large pompoms and materials only

3-4 Years

  • Use child-appropriate scissors only with direct adult supervision
  • Supervise continuously and have adults handle sharp tools and hot glue
  • Follow product age labels; non-toxic materials are not food
  • Avoid small beads and other loose parts that present choking risks
  • Inspect materials and adapt or skip activities when risks cannot be managed

Material Safety Guide

The FDA advises that children should not use raw flour dough for crafts or play clay. Food ingredients and non-toxic labels do not make craft materials safe to eat. Read the FDA flour safety guidance and follow each product's age label.

Use With Care

  • Washable finger paints

    Choose products labeled for the child's age and follow the package directions.

  • Paper plates

    Check for tears or pieces a child could put in their mouth.

  • Cardboard boxes

    Remove staples and damaged pieces before use.

  • Fabric scraps

    Use larger pieces and supervise to reduce mouthing and entanglement risks.

  • Wooden craft sticks

    Check for splinters and use with close supervision.

Avoid These

  • Glitter

    Choking hazard, eye irritant

  • Small beads

    Major choking risk

  • Buttons

    Choking hazard

  • Googly eyes

    Small parts hazard

  • Hot glue

    Burn risk

  • Sharp scissors

    Cutting injury risk

  • Pipe cleaners with wire ends

    Poking hazard

  • Small sequins

    Choking and eye risk

Emergency Quick Guide

Accidents happen. Here's what to do if something goes wrong.

Child swallows something

Stay calm. If breathing normally, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 US). If choking, perform age-appropriate first aid.

Paint or glue in eyes

Rinse with clean water for 15-20 minutes. If irritation continues, seek medical attention.

Allergic reaction

Stop activity immediately. For mild reactions, wash area. For severe reactions (difficulty breathing), call 911.

Important Numbers

Poison Control (US)

1-800-222-1222

Emergency

911